Franklin D. Roosevelt's
Address to the Nation in Light of the Japanese Attack on Pearl
Harbor

("Date Which Will Live in
Infamy")

December 8, 1941

Franklin D. Roosevelt
was an effective speaker, well known for his so-called "Fireside
Chats" transmitted to Americans via radio during the economic
depression of the 1930s and for the phrase "the only this
we have to fear, is fear fear itself" in his first inaugral
address. Nevertheless, this relatively brief speech on December
8, 1941, is the one for which he is best known. The immortal phrase
"a date which will live in infamy," encapsulated a nation's
reaction to the Japanese attack on U.S. Navy ships at Pearl Harbor
on the U.S. terrority of Hawaii and is the de facto point at which
the U.S. declared its entry into World War II.

Yesterday,
December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United
States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval
and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The
United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation
of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its
Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing
in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his
colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to
a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed
useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained
no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It
will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes
it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days
or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government
has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false
statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The
attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage
to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives
have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported
torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday
the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese
forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the
Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan
has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout
the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves.
The people of the United States have already formed their opinions
and well understand the implications to the very life and safety
of our nation.

As
Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that
all measures be taken for our defense.

Always
will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No
matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion,
the American people in their righteous might will win through
to absolute victory.

I believe
I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I
assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost
but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never
endanger us again.

Hostilities
exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory
and our interests are in grave danger.

With
confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination
of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help
us God.

I ask
that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly
attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has
existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."